Characteristic | Factions - Rome TW: Rome II Guide
Last update: 11 May 2016
Rome is one of two republics which can be commanded in Total War: Rome II. By choosing this faction you'll start the game with the perfect position: you control most of the Apennine Peninsula; only on the north you can encounter hostile Etruscan League. To the south you'll find neutral Syracuse and Carthage, fighting for dominance over Mediterranean.
Rome has an access to the best infantry in Total War: Rome II. Each infantry unit is able to match their counterparts in other nations without problems. In addition Rome has plenty of effective war machines, allowing breaking the impasse on the battlefield. Unfortunately, the light infantry and cavalry are much weaker than those used by barbarians or Middle East countries.
As a republic, Rome can choose one of three families representing it: Cornelii, Julii or Junii - each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, partially influencing direction of your future expansion.
Starting bonuses
Rome starts the game with two very powerful bonuses:
- Bread & Circuses: +1 food in all provinces
- Roman Legions: +1 experience rank for Roman infantry recruits
In addition, depending on the selected family, you'll get two more abilities and one penalty.
House of Cornelia:
- Administrators: +3% tax rate
- Philhellenes: Diplomatic bonus with all Hellenic factions
- Disdain for Plebs: Public order penalty (minimum of -4) from presence of Latin culture.
As you can see, Cornelii will have big problems with management of the expanded empire due to public order penalties. This faction is perfect to the rapid expansion of the influence sphere of Balkan Peninsula.
House of Julia:
- Barbarian Subduers: +10% morale during battles against barbarian tribes
- Romanisation: +4 cultural conversion
- Cultural Oppressors: +25% public order penalties due to local presence of foreign cultures
Julii is less demanding family than Cornelii. They have extra bonuses while fighting barbarians, what allows them to conquer the tribal Europe more easily. In addition they quickly romanise conquered lands, reducing penalties from the cultural oppression. Using cultural conversion dignitaries before you use the legions will completely wipe out the shortcomings of this family.
House of Junia:
- Agrarian Wisdom: +10% do wealth from agricultural buildings
- Founding Fathers: Public order bonus (maximum of +4) from presence of Latin culture
- Political Underdogs: Diplomatic penalty with all factions (cultural aversion)
Junii is another family which can be easily commanded. Increased income generated by agricultural buildings provides not only money but also food and public order bonus improves mood in the country. The only Junii problem is maintaining regular diplomatic relations with other countries - political underdogs will complicate their negotiations.
The most important available units
Hastati
Roman heavy infantry available since the game start. It is able to defeat most of encountered enemy units - concentrated enemy attacks are able to break its formation.
Principes
Early shock infantry, excellent to break enemy lines.
Triarii
One of best armored units available for Rome. They are not only able to stand attack of any enemy but thanks to mobility are excellent as flanking units.
Legionaries
Universal units that are successors of hastati and principes and combine their abilities. They can both hold the line and break enemy ranks.
Legionary cohort
"Improved" legionaries: more expensive but more effective than their predecessors. Available only after unlocking professional soldiery technology.
Praetorian Guard
Best infantry units available for Rome. Elite of the elite, capable of defeating more numerous enemy units alone. You have only watch out not to get surrounded by overwhelming enemy troops.
Auxiliary infantry
Available almost from the beginning, this infantry focuses mainly on securing flanks in the army and attacking weakened enemy troops. It is also much cheaper than heavy legionaries.
Velites
Extremely effective units of javelinmen available for Rome. Massive attack of velites can destroy even heavy infantry unit. Their biggest drawback is huge vulnerability to cavalry attacks.
Equites
First cavalry available for Rome. It is ideal for eliminating skirmishers and chasing defeated enemy units.
Socii Equites Extraordinarii
Heavy cavalry, which can try to break down front line defended by light and medium infantry. It is also suitable to destroy enemy cavalry and skirmishers.
War dogs
Unleashed war dog rapidly take down enemy skirmishers and light infantry. In addition they make chaos among enemy units, giving you enough time to attack with heavy infantry.
Roman ballista
Cheap and effective war machine, ideal to shoot at enemy heavy infantry. If you start the siege it quite effectively open the gates and destroy enemy defenses.